Hopes are high that Eagles will soar

WEST JORDAN — West Ridge's 2006 baseball team doesn't have as much talent as the squad that advanced to the 1A state championship game a year ago.

But there are other similarities between last year's bunch and this year's bunch, which is a good thing for the Eagles.

"This group of kids really has a lot of heart. They don't give up," said coach Dave Brock. "They're kind of like my kids last year. I might not have the total baseball talent I had last year, but it's almost the same mentality, which is kind of rare here. Even the kids on the bench (have that mentality). It's a good support system."

West Ridge will look to build on that winning attitude during the 2006 season, which is already underway. The Eagles feature a young squad that is very inexperienced, but hopes remain high that the team will get better and better as the season progresses.

Because boys are typically only at West Ridge for a short time, there is normally a huge turnover in the school's athletic teams. Baseball isn't an exception this season. The Eagles advanced to last year's state title game before losing to Panguitch, but they don't return a single player.

Ace pitcher Collin Swanger will lead the way this season. The left-hander will be expected to throw numerous innings throughout the season, and he's an outstanding hitter, too.

"I can't tell him anything at the plate," said Brock. "He's such a good hitter. I can maybe tell him some little things. When he's patient, he's as good a hitter as I've seen."

Besides him, big things are expected from Mario Wade, Brad Wrigley, Kelton Allred, Sam Coffee and Jeremy Suchansky.

"They focus really well," Brock said of his players. "For what I've lacked this year, I've had to do a lot more teaching of the game in small aspects, but I'm telling you, we've had two weeks of improvement. If they keep improving like this, we're going to be hard to beat."

In particular, Suchansky could have a big year. He's a football prospect from Oregon, who is missing his senior year because he was sent to West Ridge. Brock has been working to harness his athleticism in baseball.

"He has a good work ethic. He works out here," said Brock. "If we can get him to do that, whether it's here or back in Oregon, I think he could definitely go to the junior college level and play football and then move on from there."